David - The Gates of Jerusalem

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l

David was not only the author of Tehillim through Divine inspiration and the king of the Jewish nation. He was also a mighty warrior, from his youth when he slew the Philistine giant Goliath, to his role as general and commander-in-chief who won every war he waged.

In a Psalm (122:2) of his Tehillim David revealed the secret of the success of his military career. "Our feet stood in the gates of Jerusalem," sings David, and our Talmudic Sages (Mesechta Makkot 10a) explain his words in the following way: "Who enabled our feet to stand triumphant in battle? The Gates of Jerusalem where Torah was studied!"

This should serve as a timely reminder of the important role which Yeshivot in Eretz Yisrael and throughout the world are playing in guaranteeing the security of our people.

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